What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31 is a set of laws established by Congress in 1950 which covers the prosecution of U.S. military personnel for criminal offenses. This article of the UCMJ provides military personnel with certain basic rights, which are also known as "rights advice.” Article 31 requires that military personnel must be advised of their rights before they can be questioned about any criminal offenses they may have committed. In California, military personnel must be advised of the following rights under Article 31 of the UCMJ: The right to remain silent, the right to consulting with an attorney of their choice, and the right to have an attorney present during any questioning by the authorities. Additionally, Article 31 states that military personnel cannot be subjected to any threats, coercion, force, or violence in order to obtain a statement. The UCMJ also protects the rights of military personnel when they are facing a court-martial. Under Article 31, military personnel cannot be compelled to incriminate themselves. Furthermore, the accused is provided with access to witnesses, the right to examine evidence, as well as the right to be represented by a qualified military lawyer. In essence, the UCMJ Article 31 is designed to protect the rights of military personnel both before and after being charged with a criminal offense, whether at a court-martial or otherwise. It ensures that military personnel are provided with fair and equal treatment, and that their rights are not violated.

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What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31?

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